The Philippines is a bit isolated from other Asian countries, Manila is nowhere near as good a travel hub as places like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Even so, whilst I was with my beloved, we travelled from the Philippines to: Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai in Thailand, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Saigon in Vietnam, Hong Kong, and possibly other places that I forget. All these places are recommended for a break, anybody else travelled around Asia from the Philippines?
I used to live and work in Hong Kong. Later I brought my first Filipina wife and our kids there. We had a nice beach-side apartment on Lantau Island. I spent 3 years as a child, in Malaysia and Singapore. Nowadays I can't afford to wander around Asia. My wife worked in Singapore as an OFW for 6 months, so has seen something of the outside world.
Been to quite a few Asian countries, but travelling from the UK rather than Philippines. Just been to Bangkok, which is very much like Manila. Everyone kept talking to my wife in Thai, who responded by speaking English slowly and waving her arms about - as if they would somehow undedstand her. Also been to Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali with day trips to Malaysia and mainland China (all in one holiday). Plus Japan a few times.
Thailand and Indonesia. Both enjoyable. The tourist police are a great idea. And so many similarities and so many differences compared to the Philippines.
Hong Kong is the place for kids, and adults of course. Try Japan. It's different compared to south east Asian countries.
One time in Bangkok we had just finished eating lunch at a very popular little Thai street food cafe. The owner came over with a big smile on his face and asked her, in Thai, how her food was (I recognised the word "Aroy"). She went into a blind panic, shook her head and said "no".
Been to Indonesia quite a few times on my own, using Bali as a base for travel around the area. Unfortunately when I was in Banyuwangi, East Java, earlier this year I think I picked up the Chikungunya virus, similar to Dengue (break bone fever) and spread by mosquitos. Seven months later my knees are still painful but nowhere near as bad as they were at the end of January.
You were just unlucky there. In some ways Indonesia is remarkably like the Philippines. Somewhat bigger though. And lots of great places to visit.
You can contract chikungunya in the Philippines. Dont ask me how I know that. Anyway, lived in HK and in Beijing, have visited Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Favourites - Japan and Taiwan so long as someone else is paying!
Vietnam -- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Cambodia -- Siem Reap (Famous Angkor Wat) Singapore Malaysia -- Melaka My favorite is MELAKA. --- The best city, for me, to unwind and relax. If you wanted to shop, SAIGON has the best prices.
When I visited Marks & Spencer in the Vincom Centre, Saigon, last month, all the mens shirts were size medium or smaller, I take XL. What is up with these people!!!
Australia (does that count?) Thailand Singapore Malaysia Hong Kong China Taiwan Japan Indonesia Sri Lanka Looking forward to visiting Vietnam
Haha! My fiance always brags he's a medium size. But when I bought him a shirt here in the Philippines, it will be between large or XL.